Senate Seeks to Limit Donald Trump’s Military Actions

The US Senate is scheduled to vote on a resolution that would prevent President Donald Trump from initiating new military operations against Venezuela without explicit approval from Congress. The vote follows the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US forces. Senators are now considering the latest in a string of war powers proposals introduced after the administration increased military pressure on Venezuela, including attacks on vessels off its coast last September.

Republicans have previously blocked similar measures, but in November, a vote came close, 49–51, when two GOP senators joined Democrats in supporting a resolution. At that time, administration officials assured Congress there were no plans for regime change or military strikes within Venezuelan territory.

Since Maduro’s capture, some lawmakers have publicly and privately accused the administration of misleading Congress.

“I spoke today with at least two Republicans who did not support this resolution previously but are now considering it,” said Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), a co-sponsor, at a press conference ahead of the Jan. 8 vote. “I cannot predict how they will vote, but a few are reconsidering, and some have voiced their concerns publicly.” Paul did not name the Republicans. The GOP currently holds a 53–47 majority in the Senate.

Congressional Challenge

Approval in the Senate would mark an important win for lawmakers advocating for war powers oversight. However, for the resolution to become law, it must also pass the Republican-led House and overcome a likely Trump veto, which would require two-thirds support in both chambers.

Lawmakers acknowledged these challenges but noted that some Republicans might be cautious about a long and costly campaign to change Venezuela’s leadership. Trump recently stated on Truth Social that he wants to increase the US military budget from US$1 trillion to US$1.5 trillion.

Under the US Constitution, only Congress has the authority to declare war, and extended military operations typically require its approval. Supporters of the war powers resolution argue that any sustained use of force must be authorized by Congress. Opponents counter that the seizure of Maduro was a law‑enforcement action, not a traditional military campaign, and therefore does not fall under the same constitutional requirements. They maintain that as commander‑in‑chief, the president has the authority to conduct limited military operations deemed necessary to protect national security without prior congressional consent.

US Military Intervention in Venezuela

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have appeared in a US federal court in New York after being detained by US forces during a surprise military operation in Caracas earlier this month. Both were formally arraigned on Jan. 5 before a judge in the Southern District of New York, where they pleaded not guilty to serious federal charges. 

Maduro and Flores face multiple allegations tied to drug trafficking, narco‑terrorism, weapons offenses and related conspiracies under US law, charges that could carry decades‑long prison terms if convictions occur. US prosecutors allege long‑standing involvement in illicit networks and drug shipments into the United States. 

During the hearing, Maduro declared his innocence and maintained he remains Venezuela’s legitimate president, claiming he was kidnapped by US forces. The operation and subsequent legal proceedings have sparked intense debate over legality, sovereignty and US interventionism, with critics calling the action an illegal attack on a sovereign state, and supporters framing it as accountability for criminal conduct.